The NSW Waratahs have received some handy returns as the club deals with a growing injury crisis ahead of Friday's match with the Chiefs
Charlie Gamble, Lalaki Foketi (both shoulder) and Tane Edmed (back) are expected on the sidelines until at least round eight.
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They are joined by star backrower Langi Gleeson (calf) and teenage sensation Max Jorgensen (shoulder), who will miss the clash with the ladder-leaders with niggles.
“Coming off a disappointing loss in Wellington, we’ve sustained a significant number of injuries, but the beauty of our squad this year is our depth and we’re still able to name a very strong XV with some talent and impact coming off the bench," Coleman said in a statement.
This is led by Wallabies Jed Holloway and Dave Porecki bolstering the tight-five.
Holloway missed the trip to New Zealand after the birth of his second child, joined in the second row by Ned Hanigan whilst Porecki has overcome a nasty infection.
Former Junior Wallabies centre Joey Walton will also play his first game in 763 days following injuries to Foketi and Mosese Tuipulotu (knee).
Walton has had a nightmare run of luck, injuring his back in pre-season after making his return from doing his ACL and breaking his ankle over the past couple of years.
Dylan Pietsch will feature for the first time in 2023 after recovering from a quad complaint as Sevens star Ben Dowling starts at fullback.
Harry Wilson and Zac Von Appen are also in line for their debuts via the bench.
Wilson has made his name with the Junior Wallabies and is joined by Nemani Nadolo and Harrison Goddard as the backs replacements whilst Von Appen will be aided by former Chief Taleni Seu and Tolu Latu amongst others.
“We’re especially excited for the potential new debutants and it's great to see Joey Walton back, fit, and ready to go," Coleman added.
“The team has been disappointed in its performances over the past two weeks and can’t wait to get back to our house and put in a performance that our fans will be proud of.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Dowling
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Harrison Goddard, Harry Wilson, Nemani Nadolo
- Angus Bell – Toe (Season)
- Archer Holz – Ribs (Round 6+)
- Charlie Gamble – Shoulder (Round 9+)
- Hugh Sinclair – Shoulder (Round 8+)
- Lalakai Foketi – Shoulder (Round 8+)
- Langi Gleeson – Calf (Round 6)
- Mahe Vailanu – Knee (Round 6+)
- Max Jorgensen – Shoulder (Round 6+)
- Mosese Tuipulotu – Knee (Round 6+)
- Tane Edmed – Back (Round 8+)
- Teddy Wilson – Neck (Round 6)
- Tiaan Tauakipulu – Knee (Round 8+)
- Will Harrison - Toe (Round 6)
